WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2293

RELATING TO THE HARM TO STUDENTS REGISTRY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

Hawaii creates a statewide registry tracking individuals who harm students, with Education and Judiciary committees recommending passage after amendments clarifying scope and protections.

Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
#doe #definition #employee #exemptionforstudents #harmtostudentsregistry
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2293

Legislative bill overview

HB 2293 establishes a "Harm to Students Registry" in Hawaii, creating a formal system to track individuals who have committed harmful acts against students. The bill passed the Education Committee with amendments on February 10, 2026, and the Judiciary Committee recommended passage with further amendments on February 24, 2026. The registry mechanism aims to provide schools and educational institutions with centralized information about individuals who pose risks to student safety.

Why is this important

Student safety is a core concern for schools, parents, and policymakers. A centralized registry could help institutions make informed hiring and access decisions, potentially preventing repeat offenders from working with vulnerable populations. However, the registry's effectiveness depends heavily on how it's defined, who is included, what offenses trigger inclusion, and what due process protections exist for those listed.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: What specific harms or convictions warrant inclusion on the registry? The amendments suggest ongoing negotiation about inclusion criteria, which will determine whether the registry targets serious crimes only or a broader range of misconduct.
  • Due process and accuracy: How are individuals added to or removed from the registry? Without clear appeals procedures and accuracy safeguards, innocent people could face professional consequences based on errors or unproven allegations.
  • Privacy and reputational concerns: Registry information may be publicly accessible, creating permanent stigmatization that could extend beyond proportional consequences and affect employment, housing, and community standing indefinitely.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.